Reversible cleat with shock absorption

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a system for securing a reversible cleat having a securing mechanism, an anchoring mechanism adapted to be attached to a sole of a shoe, and a cleat having a first side and a second side and placed between the securing mechanism and the anchoring mechanism. The cleat is further supported by a spring proximately placed to the cleat for absorbing shock. The second side faces toward the anchoring mechanism when the securing mechanism is removably secured to the anchoring mechanism. The second side is repositioned to face away from the anchoring mechanism by removing the securing mechanism from the anchoring mechanism, removing and repositioning the cleat with the second side facing away from the anchoring mechanism, and removably securing the securing mechanism to the anchoring mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/759,672 filed Jan. 16, 2004, which applicationis currently pending. The present application also claims the benefitsunder 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/675,667 filed Apr. 28, 2005, herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a shoe having a removable, interchangeable, andreversible cleat with shock absorption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In instances where improved traction may be desired, cleated shoes mayhave been provided because cleats may dig into a surface more easilythan a flat sole. However, there may be situations where a user may wishto take off the cleated shoe, such as when the user may be leaving anathletic field and immediately entering an indoor area. In thesescenarios, and in the event the user does not wish to be shoeless, theuser may need to bring along another pair of shoes that do not havecleats.

Therefore, to alleviate the need for some users to carry multiple pairsof shoes, some shoes may have removable cleats where the cleats may befastened and unfastened to a sole. U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,809 to Savoie,U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,984 to Adam, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,980 to Adam mayprovide an example of a shoe with a cleat that may be removed from thesole. Removable cleats are typically desired when a user walks to andfrom surfaces where cleats are and are not needed, such as indoor andoutdoor surfaces. Golfers typically must remove their shoes that havecleats, which may result in some golfers being shoeless, prior toentering a club house. Therefore, a shoe with removable cleats wouldenable golfers to enter a club house without removing the entire shoe.

A possible disadvantage of a shoe with removable cleats is that the usermay need to carry the removed cleats. A further disadvantage of the shoewith removable cleats is the user may, because the removed cleats arenot fastened to the shoe, misplace one or more of the removed cleats.

Additionally, although removable cleats may allow a user to switchbetween a cleated sole and a flat sole, a limitation may be that theshoe does not permit cleats to be interchanged with different kinds ofcleats having different limitations. A shoe with the ability to havevarying types of cleats may be useful when a user encounters varyingsurfaces upon which traction is needed, such as when the user encountersgrass, mud, and/or gravel surfaces. Rather than changing shoes orbetween a cleated and uncleated shoe, it may be more convenient or costeffective to simply interchange cleats. Moreover, many types of cleatsmay be used with a single pair of shoes that permits the cleats to beinterchanged, which may permit improved versatility, convenience, andcost effectiveness.

U.S. patent application Publication No. US2003/0172551 to Lee appears toshow a cleat that is rotatable. However, the rotatable cleat does notappear to be interchangeable or removable. Therefore, the shoe may belimited to two types of cleats. Moreover, Lee may be limited to acleated shoe where the cleats are typically employed on a continuousbasis.

Another disadvantage of a cleated shoe is that the shoe may lacksufficient cushioning in the localized areas of the cleats. This may bedue to the distribution of the wearer's weight being limited to thesurface areas of the cleats instead of the entire bottom of the shoe,where the total surface areas of the cleats usually represent a fractionof the surface area of the entire bottom of the shoe. As a result, eachcleat often transfers forces from the ground due to the impact ofwalking or running to localized areas of the foot, which may be painful,particularly over long periods of time. In order to alleviate theselocalized areas of pain where the cleats are located, increasedcushioning may be needed. However, most shoes have a uniformly appliedlayer of cushioning across the entire inside surface of the shoe and donot normally account for the improper distribution of weight caused bythe cleats. This problem may be exacerbated if, due to a lack of spaceor to reduce costs, the layer of cushioning is reduced in thickness.

What is desired, therefore, is a shoe with a cleat that may be removedand interchanged with another type of cleat. What is also desired is ashoe that permits multiple types of cleats to be interchanged with oneanother to improve versatility, convenience, and cost effectiveness. Afurther desire is a shoe that permits cleats to be interchanged whilereducing the likelihood of misplacing or losing cleats that are notbeing used. Yet another desire is a shoe with enhanced cushioning in theareas where the cleats are located.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cleat that isremovable and interchangeable with another cleat.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a shoe that permitscleats to be interchangeable with other cleats having differentlimitations.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a shoe that utilizesa plurality of cleats, where each cleat has a first end that hasdifferent limitations from a second end and where a user may selecteither end to be used on a walking surface.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a shoe that may beworn with or without cleats.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a shoe that utilizesa plurality of removable and interchangeable cleats, where each cleathas a first end having different limitations from a second end and whereall cleats have different limitations from one another.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by a system forsecuring a reversible cleat having a securing mechanism, an anchoringmechanism adapted to be attached to a sole of a shoe, and a cleat havinga first side and a second side and placed between the securing mechanismand the anchoring mechanism. The cleat is further supported by a springproximately placed to the cleat for absorbing shock. The second sidefaces toward the anchoring mechanism when the securing mechanism isremovably secured to the anchoring mechanism. The second side isrepositioned to face away from the anchoring mechanism by removing thesecuring mechanism from the anchoring mechanism, removing andrepositioning the cleat with the second side facing away from theanchoring mechanism, and removably securing the securing mechanism tothe anchoring mechanism.

In further embodiments, the system includes a moisture absorbingmaterial proximate to the cleat for reducing moisture. The moistureabsorbing material may be in addition to or instead of the spring. Insome embodiments, the moisture absorbing material is attached to thespring. In an optional embodiment, a second moisture absorbing materialis placed proximate to the cleat for absorbing moisture. The secondmoisture absorbing material is also interchangeable with the firstmoisture absorbing material.

Optionally, the system includes a second spring proximate to the cleatfor absorbing shock. The second spring is also interchangeable with thefirst spring.

In some embodiments, the first and second sides each have at least oneextension. More specifically, the anchoring mechanism has 3 pockets andthe securing mechanism has 3 extensions. In other embodiments, aplurality of cleats are provided, each cleat of the plurality of cleatsbeing removably interchangeable with each the cleat.

In further embodiments, the securing mechanism has at least one toolreceptacle, each one adapted to receive a tool for securing andunsecuring the securing mechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for securing a reversiblecleat includes a securing mechanism, an anchoring mechanism adapted tobe attached to a sole of a shoe, a cleat having a placed between thesecuring mechanism and the anchoring mechanism, a spring proximate tothe cleat for absorbing shock, and a moisture absorbing materialproximate to the cleat for absorbing moisture, wherein the cleat isremovably secured to the anchoring mechanism by the securing mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is an isometric view of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption in accordance with the invention where the first side of thecleat is facing upwards.

FIG. 1 b is an isometric view of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption shown in FIG. 1 a where the second side of the cleat isfacing upwards.

FIG. 2 is an assembly view of the reversible cleat with shock absorptionshown in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 3 a depicts a cross sectional view of the reversible cleat withshock absorption shown in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 3 b depicts a cross sectional view of the reversible cleat withshock absorption shown in FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption shown in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption shown in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption shown in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption shown in FIG. 1 a.

FIGS. 8-11 depict another embodiment of the reversible cleat with shockabsorption shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a cleat according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the cleat of FIG. 12, showing the shape of thelobes to be inserted into a mated receptacle in the bottom of athleticfootwear.

FIG. 14 is another side view of the cleat of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a receptacle that may receive the FIG. 12cleat.

FIG. 17 is a top section view of the FIG. 16 receptacle wherein the toplayer of the receptacle has been removed.

FIG. 18 is a side vertical section of the receptacle of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the FIG. 17 receptacle wherein the top layerhas not been removed.

FIG. 20A is a perspective right side view of a cleat according to apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20B is a perspective top view of the FIG. 20A cleat.

FIG. 20C is a perspective front view of the FIG. 20A cleat.

FIG. 20D is a perspective left view of the FIG. 20A cleat.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the cleat of FIG. 20A, showing the shape of thelobes to be inserted into a mated receptacle in the bottom of athleticfootwear.

FIG. 22 is another side view of the cleat of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 23A is a top section view of the receptacle for receiving the cleatof FIG. 20A, wherein the top layer of the receptacle has been removed.

FIG. 23B is a perspective bottom view of the receptacle shown in FIG.23A.

FIG. 24 is a side vertical section of the receptacle of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of a cover for the FIG. 23A receptacle.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a partial view of a FIG. 20A cleat inserted into a FIG. 23Areceptacle.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the FIG. 20A cleat.

FIG. 29 is a top view of an unassembled receptacle for receiving theFIG. 20A cleat.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the FIG. 29 receptacle.

FIG. 31 is a section view of the FIG. 29 receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b depict the system 10 for securing a reversible cleat20 with shock absorption and moisture absorption in accordance with theinvention. As shown, cleat 20 may be positioned with either first side,FIG. 1 a, or second side, FIG. 1 b, being exposed and extending awayfrom sole 14 of a shoe. Although cleat 20 is shown to extend in anupward direction, it is understood that sole 14 represents a bottom of ashoe and, when being worn by a user, cleat 20 extends in a downwarddirection toward a walking surface. Cleat 20 is shown to extend in anupward direction for the purpose of facilitating the depiction of allthe components of system 10.

System 10 further includes securing mechanism 30, which removablysecures cleat 20 to anchoring mechanism 40 (shown in FIGS. 2-3 b).Securing mechanism 30 is removably attached or secured to anchoringmechanism 40 by any known or novel manners for securement. In someembodiments, threads are used to engage securing mechanism 30 toanchoring mechanism 40. In further embodiments, fasteners are used. Instill other embodiments, adhesives are used. The manner securingmechanism 30 is removably secured to anchoring mechanism 40 should notbe a limitation on system 10. All that is required is that securingmechanism 30 be removably secured to anchoring mechanism 40.

As shown, FIGS. 2-3 b depict spring 124 for absorbing shock, due tocompressive forces upon cleat 20, and returning cleat 20 to itsapproximate original position prior to the application of thecompressive forces. Spring 124 is positioned on outer shoulder 304located in sole 14 when cleat is unsecured from anchoring mechanism.When cleat 20 is secured to anchoring mechanism 40, spring 124 islocated between extension 332 of cleat 20 and outer shoulder 304 in avertical direction and between outer diameter 308 of sole 14 and body 21cleat 20 in a horizontal direction. In this embodiment, spring 124provides shock absorption in the vertical and/or horizontal direction.

In addition, FIGS. 2-3 b depict moisture absorption material 312 forreducing moisture from entering anchoring mechanism 40, securingmechanism 30, or both. As shown, moisture absorption material 312 isplaced along bottom surface 144 of notch 326 between inner diameter 15of sole 14 and anchoring mechanism 40.

Although spring 124 is shown to be an O-ring, any shock absorbingmaterial may be used, such as a helical spring, leaf spring, coiledspring, rubber, plastic, and the like. In some embodiments, moistureabsorption material 312 is used as spring 124 for absorbing shock andfor absorbing moisture. In these embodiments, the material for moistureabsorbing material 312 should be durable, whereas in the embodimentswhere spring 124 is an O-ring moisture absorbing material 312 need nothave such durability.

The material for moisture absorbing material 312 is any woven or unwovencloth that absorbs moisture, such as cotton, polyesther and the like.The material for moisture absorbing material 312 is described in greaterdetail below.

As shown in FIG. 3 a, cleat 20 is reversed 180 degrees from theembodiment shown in FIG. 3 b. Cleat 20 and its reversible features aremore particularly described below.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the invention where moistureabsorption material 312 is deleted from bottom surface 144 of notch 326.Instead, moisture absorption material 312 may be wrapped about spring124.

In another embodiment, FIG. 5 shows spring 124 placed between rigidmaterial 32 and anchoring mechanism 40 in a vertical direction andbetween body of cleat 20 and securing mechanism 30 in a horizontaldirection. In the vertical direction, spring 124 supports rigid material32 regardless of which side of cleat 20 is placed downwardly into notch326. In this embodiment, for the advantages stated below, rigid material32 being cushioned by spring 124 enhances the overall structuralintegrity.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, multiple springs 124 may be usedor placed in multiple locations for enhancing shock absorption. Inenvironments where enhanced shock absoprotion is desired or whereexcessive compressive forces are encountered, this embodiment would bepreferable. Moreover, because cleat 20 is removable, the shockabsorption may be adjusted by removing or adding springs 124 orreplacing a single spring with another spring that is stronger or moreflexible.

In a further embodiment, a plurality of springs is provided where eachspring being interchangeable with a next spring and each spring has aphysical characteristic different than a next spring. For example, wherespring 124 is an O-ring, a thicker or thinner diameter of the O-ringwould affect the overall shock absorption of cleat 20.

Similarly, in other embodiments, a plurality of moisture absorbingmaterials is provided, each being interchangeable with a next moistureabsorbing material and each has a physical characteristic different thana next moisture absorbing material. For example, a thicker/heavier orthinner/lighter moisture absorbing material 312 would affect the overallreduction of moisture from entering cleat 20 the areas proximate tocleat 20.

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the invention where spring 124 ischanged from an O-ring to a leaf spring. In addition to the embodimentshown in FIG. 6, this is a further variation of strengthening orreducing the overall shock absorption capability of cleat 20,particularly when multiple O-rings provide insufficient resistance tothe compressive forces encountered by cleat 20, whereas leaf spring 124′provides enhanced resistance over multiple O-rings.

Material for cleat 20 may be rigid and hard for digging into softsurfaces, such as sand, gravel, grass, and the like. In otherembodiments, material for cleat 20 may be soft and flexible forminimizing damage to a surface, such as the green of a golf course.

As shown in FIG. 7, spring 124 may be placed on any surface that comesin contact or comes near contact with any part of cleat 20. As shown,spring 124 is a curved spring. Spring 124 may be secured to bottomsurface 144 or top surface 128 of anchoring mechanism 40. Spring 124 maybe secured by fasteners 126, which may be rivets, stapes, adhesive,screws, and the like. Because of the curve to spring 124, it acts like aleaf spring and absorbs compressive forces when cleat 20 is pressed, dueto walking or running by the user, against bottom surface 144 or topsurface 128.

It is understood that any type of known or novel spring may be used toabsorb shock due to the compressive forces of cleat 20 during use of theshoe. Spring 124 is not to be a limitation of the invention. Springsinclude helical, coiled, and the like. All that is required is for aspring be placed between cleat 20 and anchoring mechanism 40.

In some embodiments, securing mechanism 30 includes tool receptacle 31for placement of a tool to operate securing mechanism 30. As shown inFIGS. 1 a and 1 b, tool receptacle 31 is a slot for a flat headed screwdrive. Also as shown, multiple slots may be used so that in the eventone slot is damaged, a user may still operate securing mechanism 30 byutilizing remaining slots.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, a further embodiment of the invention includeslayer 320 of rust inhibitor may be placed between cleat 20 and anchoringmechanism 40 to reduce corrosion or oxidation to spring 124. Layer 320works by inhibiting water or moisture from passing from the atmosphereor elements to spring 124.

Although layer is shown to be in contact with a lower shoulder of cleat20, this is not required. Layer 320 may also not be a ring but may be adisc (without a central portion removed) and placed in chamber 322,which is where spring 124 may also be located. Moreover, layer 320 mayalso be placed against upper shoulder 324 of anchoring mechanism 40. Allthat is required is for layer 320 to be placed in a position betweenspring 124, or spring, and moisture from outside of system 10. Layer 320may be a vapor-permeable and waterproof material. In some embodiments,it may comprise a lower flat element made of shaped rubber-likematerial, which has a hollow upper region delimited by a border with airpassage openings which extend laterally with respect to the groundresting plane; an upper element; a membrane made of waterproof andvapor-permeable material, which is interposed between said lower andupper elements at said hollow region; said lower and upper elements andsaid membrane being joined hermetically in the perimetric regions ofmutual contact.

As shown, securing mechanism 30 is removably secured to anchoringmechanism 40 so that cleat 20 may be removed, interchanged, and/orreversed. In reference to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, which represents crosssectional views of system 10 shown in corresponding FIGS. 1 a and 1 b,respectively, cleat 20 has a first side with at least one extension 22of a first type and cleat 20 has a second side with at least oneextension 24 of a second type. Both the first and second types ofextensions have different limitations for the purposes of engaging withdifferent types of walking surfaces. Different limitations include beingmade of different materials, such as the first type would be of metaland the second type would be of plastic or rubber. In addition,different limitations also include being of different geometric shapes,such as the first type being pointed protrusions for digging into theground and the second type being flattened protrusions for minimizingdamage to the ground. In this fashion, a user need not carry or purchasetwo different types of cleats or two different types of shoes. Toreverse cleat 20 from the first side to the second side, the user merelyneeds to remove securing mechanism 30 from anchoring mechanism 40, whichwould enable the user to then remove and reverse cleat 20 from theposition shown in FIG. 1 a to the position shown in FIG. 1 b, and thenreattach securing mechanism 30 to anchoring mechanism 40.

Cleat 20 has the benefit of being two cleats in one because the at leastone extension 22 of the first type has different limitations than the atleast one extension 24 of the second type. A variation of thisembodiment may entail having both the at least one extension 22 of thefirst type have the same limitations as the at least one extension 24 ofthe second type. Hence, when a first side becomes worn, broken, orotherwise unusable, the second side may be used.

In another embodiment, a plurality of cleats may be provided, each cleatof the plurality of cleats being a different type, or having varyinglimitations, from other cleats of the plurality of cleats. Each cleat ofthe plurality of cleats is also interchangeable from cleat 20. Thisembodiment permits the user to be able to remove cleat 20 from anchoringmechanism 40, select a cleat from the plurality of cleats, andinterchange cleat 20 with the selected cleat. Moreover, both cleat andthe selected cleat may be reversible in addition to beinginterchangeable and removable. This embodiment enhances the versatilityof the shoe because a single shoe may utilize multiple types of cleatswhen the user encounters multiple types of walking surfaces.

A more particular description of the material for moisture absorbingmaterial 312 includes a two-layered form of the composite materialgenerally in the form of an insole for a shoe having a cover layer and afoam layer that is hydrophilic with respect to the cover layer, which isoperatively joined or connected or bonded or otherwise laminated in anysuitable way to the cover layer as by needle punching, so that thecomposite material acts to draw or transfer moisture or bodily fluidsfrom and through the cover layer into the foam layer which acts as areservoir, to absorb, gel or store and dissipate such moisture or bodilyfluid as by evaporation from or by washing of the composite material.After the moisture or bodily fluid is dissipated, from time to time, thecomposite material can be reused. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the composite materials formed in accordance with thepresent invention can also be made of materials so that the compositematerial can also be disposable rather than reusable.

The foam layer may be first formed by polymerizing an aqueous mixture,having as its principal component one or more sorbents with or withoutvarious additives, with a predetermined quantity of a hydrophilicurethane prepolymer binder so that the polymerization of thepolyurethane foam forms a matrix binder for the one or more sorbents.While the sorbents have been referred to as the principal component, itwill be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aqueousmixture may consist of various combinations of other components withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention including absorptivefillers, fibrous materials, including non-woven fiber materials,surfactants, thermoformable acrylic latex emulsions, odor absorbents andbactericides. Further and additional components may include citric acid,rubber particles and thermal phase change particles depending on certainadvantageous and desirable characteristics or functions to be achievedby the composite material.

The characteristics of the sorbent component may be selected so that thevolume, rate of absorption and the retention or gelling of the moistureabsorbed under varying ambient conditions of temperature and pressuremay be optimized for a given composite material being formed. Preferredsorbents adapted for use in the aqueous mixture are primarily superabsorbent polymers available in the commercial marketplace as SAB 800from STOCKHAUSEN, Greensboro, N.C. 27406; as SANWET IM 1000 from HoechstCelanese Corporation, Portsmouth Va. 23703; as ARIDAL 1460 from ChendalCorporation, Palatine, Ill. 60067; and as ARASORB 800F from ArakawaChemical Industries, Limited, Osaka 541, Japan.

These sodium polyacrylate/polyalcohol polymer and co-polymer sorbentsare manufactured and sold in free-flowing, discrete solid particles, inpowder or granular form, and are characterized by the fact that theyhave a propensity for absorbing increasing quantities of aqueous fluid.This would normally lead to the complete solution of the polymers intothe aqueous mixture. However, due to the chemical characteristics of thepolymers and co-polymers, the formation of a gel takes place precludingthe solution of the polymer or co-polymers. Other sorbents includingpolyethylene oxide, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and like polymers,desiccants such as silica gel, clays such as bentonite, and the like maybe used as well.

Thus, when an aqueous mixture is metered and mixed with a hydrophilicurethane prepolymer, as more fully described below, the urethaneprepolymer reacts with the water in the aqueous mixture to form ahydrophilic polyurethane foam, and at the same time when a sodiumpolyacrylate sorbent is present, the urethane prepolymer reacts with thesorbent to form a hydrophilic acrylic urethane interpolymer.

The combination of the sorbent with the hydrophilic foam thus formedacts in composite materials of either two larger or multiple layers toabsorb, adsorb and gel the moisture drawn through the cover layer and tocontain and store it so as not to rewet the cover top layer of thelayered composite material. The sorbents thus add hydrophilicity to thefoam layer of the composite materials.

The additives which may be combined in the aqueous mixture with thesorbents are also available in the commercial marketplace.

Thermoformable acrylic latex emulsions are available from Union CarbideCorporation of New York, N.Y., Rohm & Haas, B. F. Goodrich and others.One preferred form of acrylic emulsion is available from Union Carbideunder the trademark “UCAR 154”. As is well known to those or ordinaryskill in the art, latex emulsions are surfactant-stabilized polymeremulsions, and are commonly used as binders for non-woven materials. Thethermoformable latexes form thermoplastic polymer films that are capableof being formed or molded when the film is heated above the glasstransition temperature of the polymer.

Use of acrylic latex emulsions in the foam layer of the presentinvention thus serves as an alternative to the three-layer compositematerials of the present invention wherein the third layer is athermoformable non-woven material bonded to the side of the foam layerremote from the cover layer. The thermoformable acrylic latex emulsionsare incorporated into the foam layer by including the emulsion as partof the aqueous mixture reacted with the hydrophilic urethane prepolymer.The water content of the emulsion reacts with the hydrophilic urethaneprepolymer to form the polyurethane foam when the aqueous mixture andthe urethane prepolymer are reacted together. Thus, the water content ofthe emulsion should be included as part of the water content of theaqueous mixture when calculating the ratio of the aqueous mixture to bereacted with the urethane prepolymer. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that the acrylate component contributed by thethermoformable acrylic latex emulsion is discrete and separate from theacrylate component contributed by the sodium polyacrylic sorbent, whenpresent.

When the foam polymerization is complete, residual water is driven offby drying the foam at a temperature of about 200 degree Fahrenheit.After bonding of the foam layer to cover layer, the thermoformableacrylic latex, when present, permits the forming or molding of thecomposite by heating the composite in a mold or other form at atemperature above the glass transition temperature of the acrylic latex,typically a temperature of about 270 degree Fahrenheit, after which thecomposite is cooled and removed from the mold or form.

Surfactants useful in the combinations in accordance with the presentinvention are prepared from nonionic polyethylene and polypropyleneoxides such as the BASF surfactant available under the trademark“PLURONIC”.

Odor absorption materials are also well known to those skilled in theart and include, activated carbon, green tea, “ABSENT” (UOP); zinc oxideand the like materials.

Bactericides are provided in the commercial marketplace by a myriad ofsuppliers for controlling bacterial and germ growth. One preferredmaterial is supplied by Lauricidin Co. of Galena, Ill. 61036, under thetrademark “LAURICIDIN”.

Phase change materials are capable of absorbing approximately 100BTU/lb.

Other components may be added to the aqueous mixtures, such as citricacid as a buffer for reducing the pH of the water component to increaseloading of the sorbent and the fluid characteristic of the aqueousmixture to facilitate pumping of the aqueous mixture; and ground rubberparticles from tires available from Composite Particles of Allentown,Pa. increase the resiliency and thermal protection of the compositematerial. These will be illustrated in the examples of the aqueousmixture more fully set forth below.

The hydrophilic urethane prepolymer component is also available in thecommercial marketplace. Suitable prepolymers will be readily recognizedby those of ordinary skill in the art and general procedures for thepreparation and formation of such prepolymers can be found inPolyurethane's, Chemistry and Technology by J. H. Saunders and K. C.Frisch published by John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y., at Vol. XVI Part2, High Polymer Series, “Foam Systems”, pages 7-26, and “Procedures forthe Preparation of Polymers”, pages 26 et seq.

One preferred form of such prepolymer adapted for use in the presentinvention because of its strong hydrophilic characteristics and itsreasonable price is marketed by Matrix R & D of Dover, N. H. as TDI/PEGUrethane Prepolymer under the trademark “BIPOL”. These products arepolyether urethane polymers of toluene diisocyanate terminatedpolyethylene glycol with less than six percent (6%) available unreactedNCO groups and a component functionality of two (2) or less.

Another urethane prepolymer is available from W. R. Grace Company of NewYork, N.Y. sold under the trademark “HYPOL 3000”. This “HYPOL” urethaneprepolymer is a polyisocyanate capped polyoxylene polyol prepolymerhaving a component functionality greater than two (2). However, thisprepolymer is formulated with a triol which reduces its hydrophiliccapability. Therefor this “HYPOL” urethane prepolymer is less acceptablefor the formation of the base layer of the composite material.

When the hydrophilic urethane prepolymer is added in precise amounts tothe aqueous mixture, in addition to controlling the absorptioncharacteristics of the final composite material, it has been found thatit enhances the composite material so it can be sized and thermoformedinto three-dimensional shapes such as the insole for shoes.

Thus, in the formation of the foam layer, a given aqueous mixture willbe blended in ratios of 2 to 10 parts by weight of the aqueous mixtureto 1 part by weight of the hydrophilic urethane prepolymer. Controllingin precise amounts the relative ratio of the aqueous mixture to thehydrophilic acrylic urethane prepolymer within these limits does notimpair the capabilities of the super-absorbent polymer for absorbing andgelling moisture and body fluids with which the composite material comesinto contact.

Another form of the composite material in accordance with the presentinvention in which the cover layer, foam layer hydrophilic with respectto the cover layer and a bottom or third layer in the form of anon-woven fiber web or felted non-woven fiber web material. In this formof the composite material, the non-woven fibers selected are preferablythose having stiffening or thermoforming capabilities.

Non-woven webs of fibrous materials for this purpose are available inthe commercial marketplace as polyester non-woven fibers coated withacrylic resin from Union Wadding of Pawtucket, R.I.; Carr Lee ofRockleigh, N.J.; Stearns Kem Wove of Charlotte, N.C.; and Loren Productsof Lawrence, Mass. Such polyester non-woven webs of fibrous material areused in the present invention because of their durability, adhesion tothe components of the respective aqueous mixtures, because they act toreduce shrinkage during the secondary drying steps in the formation ofthe foam layer for the composite material being formed as is hereinafterdescribed and because of the increase tensile strength they impart tothin films of the composite material, in accordance with the presentinvention, as those used in apparel and other products. Union Waddingsupplies such preferred non-woven fibrous webs at 11/2 to 3 ounces peryard (¼″ to ½″ thickness). These are polyester 3 and 6 denier fiberacrylic spray bonded thermoformable materials. These products areformulated to enhance thermoformability of the multi-layered compositematerial.

Similarly felted non-woven webs of fibrous material are also availablein the commercial marketplace from Non Wovens Inc. of North Chelmsford,Mass., who supply their products 8 oz. per square yard, 0.080 thickness,65% low melt polyester and 35% high melt polyester. These feltednon-woven webs of fiber material provide the same improvedcharacteristics to the foam layer of the composite material inaccordance with the present invention as has been above described.

It should be noted that non-woven materials may also be introduced as acomponent of the polyurethane foam layer, rather than being bonded tothe foam layer as a discrete third layer. The addition of the non-wovenmaterial within the foam layer adds strength, minimizes shrinkage indrying and acts as a wick for moisture transpiration into the foamlayer. Such foam layers are formed by depositing the polymerizing foamonto a non-woven fiber web and compressing the foam-coated web to 10% ofits thickness, thus coating the fibers of the web with the polymerizedfoam containing interstitial voids.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 b, rigid material 32 is permanently attached tocleat 20 and has a higher hardness than cleat 20 to provide structurallyintegrity to cleat 20 so that cleat 20 may be secured to anchoringmechanism 40 by securing mechanism 30. Without rigid material 32, and ifrigid material 32 were replaced with the same material used to providecleat 20, cleat 20 may flex around, due to walking, head 38 of securingmechanism 30 and accidentally separate from system 10. As shown, rigidmaterial 32 is integrally formed with cleat 20, where rigid material 32may have an orifice through which vertical member 26 of cleat materialpasses during fabrication of cleat 20 and rigid material 32.

Rigid material 32 includes a first shoulder 34 and a second shoulder 36where securing mechanism 30, when removably secured to anchoringmechanism 40 to secure cleat 20 in a position where the first side facesaway from sole 14, compresses against first shoulder 34 and anchoringmechanism 40 compresses against second shoulder 36 (see FIG. 3 a). Whenthe second side faces away from sole 14, securing mechanism 30compresses against second shoulder 36 and anchoring mechanism 40compresses against first shoulder 34 (see FIG. 3 b). As shown, head 38of securing mechanism 30 makes contact with and compresses againsteither first or second shoulder, 34 and 36, and shoulder 42 of anchoringmechanism 40 makes contact with and compresses against either first orsecond shoulder, 34 and 36.

In addition to providing structural integrity to cleat 20, rigidmaterial 32 also provides proper placement, in an axial direction, ofthe at least one extension for both the first and second sides of cleat20. It is envisioned that first and second shoulders 34 and 36 are, inan axial direction, equidistant from the furthest points of both the atleast one extension of the first and second sides of cleat 20. Beingequidistant, or centrally located in the axial direction, between theoutermost points of both the at least one extension of the first andsecond sides of cleat 20, both the at least one extension of the firstand second sides extend away from sole 14 the same distance as oneanother. Therefore, when switching between the first and second sides,the fit of the shoe is consistent.

If, for example, the first and second shoulders, 34 and 36, are locatedmore toward the first side, and when the user switches from the first tothe second side, the user may experience that the cleats extend fartheron the second side than the first side. This may be desirable in someembodiments, such as when a user encounters a muddy terrain and longercleats are beneficial.

It is not necessary that first and second shoulders, 34 and 36, have aparticular surface area or geometry. The design of first and secondshoulders 34 and 36 are shown in the figures for exemplary purposes. Allthat is required of first and second shoulders 34 and 36 is that theyhave a location against which it may be compressed by either securingmechanism 30 or anchoring mechanism 40. The location may be a singlecontact point, line contact, or surface.

In other embodiments, rigid material 32 is removable from cleat 20 sothat cleat 20 may be replaced when worn and rigid material 32 would notneed to be discarded, which is often the result when rigid material 32is permanently or integrally formed with cleat 20.

Also, FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show anchoring mechanism 40 permanently attachedto sole 14. In some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 40 may beintegrally formed with sole 14, where anchoring mechanism 40 may have anorifice through which vertical member 16 of sole material passes duringfabrication of sole 14 and anchoring mechanism 40.

Optionally, a quick release mechanism may be used to removably securesecuring mechanism 30 with anchoring mechanism 40. The quick releasemechanism that may optionally be employed is shown in FIGS. 12-31.

FIG. 12 shows bottom side 117 and top side 116 of the plastic skirt 115,the ground-engaging head portion 110 of the cleat, a base 113 to whichthe plastic skirt and ground-engaging portion are attached and aretaining member 120, which in this case is a base 113 with threerounded extensions 122, all of which are positioned around a centralaxis 128. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top 116 of theskirt 115 is slightly concave, and the bottom 117 of the skirt 115 issomewhat convex.

FIG. 13 shows the topside 116 of the cleat skirt 115 and the retainingmember 120, which has a roughly triangular shape with indentations 126.The extensions 122 of the retaining member 120 are used in conjunctionwith components inside the receptacle, shown as item 130 in FIG. 16, forlocking in place a properly inserted retaining member 120. Locking inplace occurs after inserting the retaining member 120 into a matedreceptacle opening 140 as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, and torquing theretaining member. The extensions 122 are attached to the base 113 (shownin FIG. 12), and together the extensions and the base form the retainingmember 120. In a preferred embodiment of the quick release mechanism, acompleted cleat, comprising the retaining member 120 and traction gear,is made out of plastic with a metal core used to reinforce thestructure. Although the quick release mechanism could be made entirelyout of metal, it is preferable that the cleat be made partially ofplastic and partially of metal. When the retaining member is plastic,the retaining member may be integrally formed with a plastic skirt of agolf cleat with a core, preferably metal, extending through theretaining member and the traction gear to form the ground-engaging headportion 110 shown in FIG. 12.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, upon insertion of theretaining member 120 into a receptacle, the angled surface 124 (shown inFIG. 12) of the extensions 122 allows for a tighter fit of the retainingmember 120 into the receptacle 140 (shown in FIG. 16). The tightconnection not only serves to give a stable connection between the shoeand traction gear, but also serves to keep moisture and debris out ofthe attachment system.

FIG. 14 is another view showing the structure and proportion of theretaining member 120 as attached to traction gear 121. FIGS. 13 and 14show that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the extensions 122form a broad retaining member 120, and the base 113 is cylindrical andconcentrically disposed around the center axis 128; the base 113 isattached to the extensions 122 and the traction gear 121.

FIG. 15, a bottom view of the FIG. 12 cleat, shows that, in a preferredembodiment of the quick release mechanism, cleats do not have to beredesigned beyond modifying the retaining member 120 (shown in FIG. 12),and that conventional cleat designs are intended to be used inconjunction with the new retaining member; once a cleat is installed,the change in the retaining system is not apparent. A standardgolf-cleat wrench may be used to engage the traction gear through use ofthe wrench holes 118.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a receptacle 130 that may receive the FIG.12 cleat, showing the receptacle opening 140, with indentations 144along its perimeter for accepting the retaining member extensions 122(shown in FIG. 12). FIG. 16 also shows the ledges 46 that while servingto form the shape of the opening 140, also serve to hold the extensions122 within the receptacle. Although preferred embodiments of theinvention include a single receptacle opening 140, alternate embodimentsof the system could have a receptacle with separate openings forreceiving extensions.

FIG. 17 is a section view of FIG. 16 where the top layer of thereceptacle has been removed to show the inner-cavity structure forreceiving the retaining member 120 (shown in FIG. 12). Within thecavity, formed by wall portion 150, there are several cantileveredfingers 151, or spring arms, that are designed to grip and hold aninstalled retaining member. When a retaining member is inserted into theindentations 144 and twisted, the twisting action causes a protrudingedge of an extension 122 (shown in FIG. 12) to push into and bend thefinger 151 to allow the extension to be turned past the location of thefinger. Once the protruding edge of an extension passes the location ofthe finger, the finger springs back to nearly its original shape, sothat surface 153 rests against the perimeter of the extension 122. Thisallows the cleat to be removed, but only by exerting sufficient force tobend the finger 151 away from the surface of the extension 122, anarrangement requiring much greater torque than that required duringinstallation of the retraining member. In one embodiment, the fingersare elongated in shape, with surface 153 forming a curved tip to thefinger. FIG. 17 also shows bumps 155 which serve as a means forpreventing a retaining member from being turned too far. In a preferredembodiment, the cleat should not be turned more than about 60°.Coincident with the fingers 151 locking into place, the protruding edgeof an extension is blocked from further movement by the bumps 155, andthe entire retaining system is prevented from falling out of thereceptacle by ledges 146. FIG. 14 also shows one method of attaching thereceptacle to the underside of footwear by the use of mounting holes157.

Spacing within the receptacle may be designed such that duringinstallation of a cleat, the receptacle opening 140 in which theextension is turned gradually narrows to compress and securely hold thecleat in place. Preferably the spacing is consistent or more gradualthan the angled surface, so that the angled surfaces 124 (shown in FIG.12) of the extension 122 being pressed against the ledges 146 cause thefit to be tight. In addition, having three extensions parallel to thecleat skirt makes for a more secure base for a cleat.

FIG. 18 is a vertical section of a portion of the embodiment of thereceptacle of FIG. 17. This view shows the ledge 146 formed by thebottom layer 145 of the receptacle and the wall portion 150 that definesthe cavity within the receptacle. This view also shows the slight rise148 which forms a lip at the receptacle opening so that the edge of aninstalled cleat's skirt may overlay the lip. The lip helps hold thecleat in place and makes it more resistant to lateral forces while thecleat is in use.

FIG. 19, which is the FIG. 9 receptacle where the top layer has not beenremoved, is a view from the top of the receptacle 130 in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the invention. This view shows the top side167 of the mounting holes for attaching the receptacle.

FIGS. 20A-20D, 21 and 22 show a preferred embodiment of a cleat havingthe same basic characteristics and structural concerns of the FIGS. 12,13, and 14 embodiments discussed hereinabove. Evident in FIG. 20A arethe bottom side 117 b and top side 116 b of the plastic skirt 115 b, theground-engaging head portion 110 b of the cleat, a base 113 b to whichthe plastic skirt and ground-engaging portion are attached and aretaining member 120 b, which in this case is a base 113 b with threerounded extensions 122 b, the extensions having an angled surface 124 band being positioned around a central axis 128 b. FIGS. 20B-20D arerespectively the perspective top, front, and left view of the FIG. 20Acleat.

Evident in FIG. 21 are the corresponding topside 116 b of the cleatskirt 115 b and the retaining member 120 b, with indentations 126 b. Theextensions 122 b of the retaining member 120 b are used in conjunctionwith components inside the receptacle 184 of FIG. 23A, for locking inplace a properly inserted retaining member 120 b. Locking in placeoccurs after inserting the retaining member 120 b into a matedreceptacle opening 140 b shown in FIG. 23A, and torquing the retainingmember. As with the FIG. 12 embodiment, upon inserting the retainingmember 120 b into a receptacle 184, the angled surface 124 h (shown inFIG. 20A) of the extensions 122 b forces a gradual compression of theretaining member 120 b as it is inserted into the receptacle opening 140b, resulting in a tight connection giving stability while also servingto keep moisture and debris out of the attachment system.

Also evident in the FIG. 21 embodiment is a modification to the FIG. 13embodiment, where the extensions 122 of FIG. 13 are modified to includean indentation 170 that further enhances the invention's resistivity tounlocking and its unintentional removal through normal use. Increasedresistivity is effected by an interlocking of a cantilevered finger 174(shown in FIG. 27) with the indentation 170. The cantilevered finger 174corresponds to the cantilevered finger 151 of the FIG. 17 embodiment, inwhich the cantilevered finger 151 has been thickened to afford a greaterresistivity to unintentional unlocking. Further, upon complete insertionof the retaining member 120 b into an appropriate receptacle 184 (shownin FIG. 23A), the end portion 190 of the cantilevered finger 174 restswithin the indentation 170. Consequently, removal of the cleat requiresgreater torque than that required to install the cleat.

FIG. 22 is another view showing the structure and proportion of theretaining member 120 b as attached to traction gear 121 b, indicatingthe location of indentation 170, as well as showing that the placementof the retaining member 120 b and base 113 b is concentrically disposedaround the center axis 128 b.

FIG. 23A is a section view of a preferred embodiment of a receptacle forreceiving the cleat of FIGS. 20A-20D, 21 and 22, where the top layer ofthe receptacle 184 has been removed to show the inner-cavity structurefor receiving the retaining member 120 b (shown in FIG. 20A). FIG. 23Bshows a perspective view of the FIG. 23A receptacle. As with the FIG. 17embodiments, included within the cavity, formed by wall portion 178, areseveral cantilevered fingers 174 designed to grip and hold an installedretaining member 120 b. When a retaining member is inserted and twisted,the twisting action causes a protruding edge of an extension 122 b topush into and bend the finger 174 to allow the extension to be turnedpast the location of the finger. Once the protruding edge of anextension passes the location of the finger 174, the finger springs backto nearly its original shape, so that end portion 190 contacts theperimeter of the extension 122 b. As described hereinabove, when the endportion 190 contacts extension 122 b, there is an interlocking ofcantilevered finger 174 with the indentation 170 (shown in FIG. 21).This allows the cleat to he removed, hut only by exerting sufficientforce to disengage and bend finger 174 away from indentation 170 and thesurface of the extension 122 b, an arrangement requiring much greatertorque than that required during installation of the retaining member.As with the FIG. 17 embodiment, the fingers are preferably elongated inshape, end portion 190 forms a curved tip to the finger, and bumps 155 bserve as a means for preventing a retaining member from being turned toofar during insertion.

Also evident in the FIG. 23A receptacle is another preferred embodimentfor attaching the receptacle 184 to the underside of footwear by the useof a mounting slot 180. In this embodiment, the perimeter 101 of thereceptacle 184 comprises three flanges disposed around the receptacleopening 140 b. In preferred embodiments, within each flange 182 of theperimeter are two slots 180 for mounting the receptacle 184 to footwear.Mounting of the receptacle is by methods known in the prior art, and mayinclude forming sole material around the slots, or inserting a pin orother object through the slot to effectively nail the receptacle to aninner-sole of a shoe, and then forming the outer-sole material aroundthe receptacle so affixed. The slots 180 are separated by apre-determined distance and are preferably curved to conform to thecurvature of the flange 182 in which the slot 180 is set. Also shown arethree openings 188 to allow for attaching a receptacle cover 196 (shownin FIG. 25) to the receptacle 184.

FIG. 24 is a vertical section of a portion of the embodiment of thereceptacle of FIG. 23A. The FIG. 24 embodiment has a ridge 176 has beenadded in the bottom layer 186 of the wall portion 178 of the receptacle.In this preferred embodiment, the ridge 176 is located upon the downwardside of the receptacle and helps assure mold seal-off. Sealing off themold helps prevent sole material from the outsole molding process fromaccidentally spilling in over the bottom-end of the receptacle duringproduction. (The receptacle and outsole are preferably moldedground-side up.) In addition, by adding ridge 176 to the basic design ofFIG. 17, the structure of the FIG. 17 receptacle is strengthened, makingit less susceptible to torques, distortions, or other forces. Thisresults in better retention of the receptacle within the sole ofathletic footwear.

FIG. 25 shows a receptacle cover 196 having three holes 192corresponding to the three openings 188 shown in FIG. 23. In preferredembodiments, the receptacle cover is designed to attach to and seal thetop end of the receptacle 184 of FIG. 23A, so that during molding of ashoe sole around the receptacle, the sole material does not seep underthe top edge of the receptacle and fill its cavity. In addition, at thecenter of the cover 196 is a dome 194. This dome hangs downward from thetop of the receptacle, into the receptacle cavity for receiving aretaining member 120 b (shown in FIG. 20A).

FIG. 26 shows a side view of the FIG. 25 cover, indicating the extent ofthe dome 194 with respect to the rest of the cover's 196 proportions.The dome forms a cavity 198 between a sole of a shoe and the top of thereceptacle 184 (shown in FIG. 23A). In preferred embodiments, duringmanufacture of a shoe sole, in addition to sole material being moldedaround the receptacles, sole material is also allowed to fill in thecavity 198. Consequently, as a retaining member 120 b (shown in FIG.20A) is inserted into a proper receptacle, the insertion forces acompression of the dome which in turn compresses the sole materialfilling the dome. The dome 194 serves two purposes. First, when theretaining member 120 b of traction gear is fully installed within areceptacle 184 (shown in FIG. 23A), the compression of the dome resultsin a downward pressure upon the extensions 122 b from the dome trying tore-expand into its original shape. Second, when one tries to remove thetraction gear from the receptacle 184, the re-expansion of the solematerial helps push the retaining member away from the sole, thus aidingin the removal of attached gear.

In preferred embodiments, the extensions for the attachment system aremolded using conventional molding processes. Preferably, the moldingprocess uses mold components having expandable cavities, these cavitiesallowing for undercuts to be molded without the use of side actions orslides. The receptacle may be molded using conventional moldingprocesses, where the receptacles are preferably produced on a horizontalor vertical press and, with the aid of precision mold design andbuilding, are formed in a manner well-known in the art.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, during manufacture, thereceptacle portion with the top cover attached is placed in an outsolemold, and the ground surface part of a shoe is then molded. The moldingprocess is preferably one of injection or compression molding. Theparticular location of each receptacle within the mold depends on theintended use of the shoe and the design of the shoe's shape. Duringmanufacture of the outsole of one embodiment of the invention, moldsupport-braces may be used to help ensure no deformation of thereceptacles during the molding of the sole. Preferably, thesupport-braces are negatives of the receptacle's shape such that when abrace is inserted into a receptacle, the receptacle 184 and pin holes188 (shown in FIG. 23A) are temporarily sealed off to prevent solematerial from filling in the receptacle opening 140 b and pin holes 188.These pins may also be used to help orient and position the receptacleso that sole material flows up to and not beyond the ridge 176 (shown inFIG. 24) that is visible on the ground side of the receptacle. Once theoutsole is molded, a second material may be molded or cemented to theoutsole, and also cemented to the upper portion of the shoe. In thisembodiment, the outsole and second material combination form a completedsole having the embedded receptacles.

In some embodiments, the shoe sole may be formed of light-weightmaterials such is EVA or foam. In such embodiments, the sole materialmay be insufficiently strong to hold a receptacle firmly in place.Consequently, in preferred embodiments, a support plate may be added tothe sole structure, wherein the receptacles are attached to the plate atthe desired locations, and the sole is formed around the attachedreceptacles. Such plates may also be used for heel support for footwearhaving light-weight heels; similarly, for heel-plates, support-pins mayalso be used to help prevent heel receptacle deformation.

FIG. 27 is a partial view of a FIG. 20A cleat inserted into a FIG. 23Areceptacle. Shown is a magnified view of the end portion 190 of acantilevered finger 174 at rest in indentation 170 of retaining member120 b. As described hereinabove, after installation of a cleat into areceptacle, the torque required to dislodge the cantilevered finger 174from the indentation 170 is much greater than that required duringinstallation.

FIG. 18, a bottom view of the FIG. 20A cleat, shows that in thisembodiment of the invention, a three-pronged wrench is inserted into thethree wrench holes 210 used to remove the cleat. Use of athree-wrench-hole design gives greater stability during insertion andremoval of a cleat, and allows greater torque to be applied, withoutslipping out of the holes, during such insertion and removal.

FIG. 29 is a top view of an alternate embodiment where a modified FIG.25 cover is attached to the FIG. 23A receptacle through a flexibleattachment region 220. In this embodiment, the receptacle 184 and cover196 may be integrally formed of a single portion of production material,and simultaneously formed from a single mold. Before insertion of thisembodiment of the receptacle into a shoe sole, the cover is flippedclosed to cover the top of the receptacle. The FIG. 23 cover is modifiedto include two cover flanges 222 which, when the cover is closed, restin-between two of the receptacle flanges 182. The cover flanges 222 alsohave slots 224, which in addition to the receptacle slots 180 describedhereinabove, are used for mounting the FIG. 29 combined receptacle andcover to the underside of footwear.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the FIG. 29 embodiment, showing the ridge176 (see FIG. 24 hereinabove) which helps prevent sole material from theoutsole molding process from accidentally spilling in over thebottom-end of the receptacle opening 140 b with attached FIG. 23 coverhaving the features as disclosed hereinabove for FIG. 23A and FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 is a top section view of FIG. 29, showing the relationshipbetween the extent of the dome 194 and the receptacle 184. Also shown isthe region defined by portions 226, 228 for receiving the cover flange222 when the cover is closed over the receptacle 184.

The above description of the drawings provides details of severalembodiments of the present invention. It is of course apparent that thepresent invention is not limited to the detailed description set forthabove. Various changes and modifications of this invention as describedwill be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

1. A system for securing a reversible cleat, comprising: a securingmechanism; an anchoring mechanism adapted to be attached to a sole of ashoe; a cleat having a first side and a second side and placed betweensaid securing mechanism and said anchoring mechanism; a spring proximateto said cleat for absorbing shock; wherein said second side faces towardsaid anchoring mechanism when said securing mechanism is removablysecured to said anchoring mechanism; and wherein said second side isrepositioned to face away from said anchoring mechanism by removing saidsecuring mechanism from said anchoring mechanism, removing andrepositioning said cleat with said second side facing away from saidanchoring mechanism, and removably securing said securing mechanism tosaid anchoring mechanism.
 2. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a moisture absorbing material proximate to said cleat forreducing moisture.
 3. The system according to claim 2, furthercomprising a second moisture absorbing material proximate to said cleatfor absorbing moisture.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein saidsecond moisture absorbing material is interchangeable with said moistureabsorbing material.
 5. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a moisture absorbing material attached to said spring forreducing moisture.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst side and said second side each have at least one extension.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 1, further comprising a second springproximate to said cleat for absorbing shock.
 8. The system according toclaim 7, wherein said second spring is interchangeable with said spring.9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofcleats, each cleat of said plurality of cleats being removablyinterchangeable with said cleat.
 10. A system for securing a reversiblecleat, comprising: a securing mechanism; an anchoring mechanism adaptedto be attached to a sole of a shoe; said securing mechanism having asole side with at least one extension extending from said sole side;said anchoring mechanism having at least one pocket; a cleat having afirst side and a second side and placed between said securing mechanismand said anchoring mechanism; a moisture absorbing material proximate tosaid cleat for reducing moisture; wherein said second side faces towardsaid anchoring mechanism when said at least one extension of saidsecuring mechanism is removably placed in said at least one pocket ofsaid anchoring mechanism; and wherein said second side is repositionedto face away from said anchoring mechanism by removing said at least oneextension of said securing mechanism from said at least one pocket ofsaid anchoring mechanism, removing and repositioning said cleat withsaid second side facing away from said anchoring mechanism, andremovably placing said at least one extension of said securing mechanismin said at least one pocket of said anchoring mechanism.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein said cleat is placed between saidsecuring mechanism and said anchoring mechanism.
 12. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein said first side and said second side eachhave at least one extension.
 13. The system according to claim 10,further comprising a spring proximate to said cleat for absorbing shock.14. The system according to claim 10, wherein said anchoring mechanismhas 3 pockets and said securing mechanism has 3 extensions.
 15. Thesystem according to claim 10, wherein securing mechanism has at leastone tool receptacle, each one adapted to receive a tool for securing andunsecuring said securing mechanism.
 16. A system for securing areversible cleat, comprising: a securing mechanism; an anchoringmechanism adapted to be attached to a sole of a shoe; a cleat having aplaced between said securing mechanism and said anchoring mechanism; aspring proximate to said cleat for absorbing shock; a moisture absorbingmaterial proximate to said cleat for absorbing moisture; wherein saidcleat is removably secured to said anchoring mechanism by said securingmechanism.
 17. The system according to claim 16, further comprising aplurality of springs, each spring being interchangeable with a nextspring and each spring having a physical characteristic different than anext spring.
 18. The system according to claim 16, further comprising aplurality of moisture absorbing materials, each moisture absorbingmaterial being interchangeable with a next moisture absorbing materialand each moisture absorbing material having a physical characteristicdifferent than a next moisture absorbing material.